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Another fund-raising project of the W.S.C.S. was the annual Thanksgiving
dinner. On Saturday before Thanksgiving a turkey dinner was prepared and served by the ladies to the entire community.
Word "got around," and people from nearby towns were making an annual trek to enjoy this treat.
Money from these projects was used for parsonage and church improvements. That's why when funds were needed and
not available, we heard "Let's ask the Ladies' Aid."
Bro. McDonald and his next door neighbor, Mr. Howard, were fishing buddies. On one occasion the Howard car was
backed into a log causing a dent. When Mrs. Howard noticed it, Mr. Howard pretended he thought she was the culprit.
Not until Bro. McDonald returned to conduct Mr. Howard's funeral was the identity of the fender-bender revealed-"Truth
will out!"
The Rev. Dick Lear began his pastorate of the Smiley Methodist Church in June 1953. In reviewing Church bulletins
and "Chimes," a monthly news sheet, we find it was a very busy and fruitful time. The Baptist Congregation
worshiped with us in the first Sunday evening service, adding their welcome to the Lear family. Meetings were set
up for the Official Board and for the Commissions. Each week was filled with the Church's activities.
The first edition of "Chimes," so named to fit in with the chimes system that rang out over the community,
came off the press July 18, 1953. This was an invaluable news source to the Church. In acknowledging the gift of
a mimeograph machine given to the office and a new refrigerator placed in the parsonage, Bro. Lear said: "She
who operates the refrigerator and he who operates the mimeograph are most grateful."
"Bouquets for Bouquets" was the lead article of the "Chimes" on Aug. 5, 1953. It was an expression
of appreciation for the floral arrangements Mrs. Eunice Wyatt placed in the Sanctuary each Sunday for the morning
worship service.
Under the heading of "For the Record," we read that ten new records had been provided by members so we
could enjoy the chimes ringing out again.
In September a covered dish supper honoring those who worked and taught in the Church School was sponsored by the
Adult Department. A film, "Second Chance," was shown.
Men's Night was a grand occasion for the men: Football, doughnuts and coffee was the fare. Invited guests were
the Smiley football team and the coach. A film on the highlights of the 1952 Southwest Conference football games
was enjoyed by all present.
A "Week of Preaching" was a glorious experience for our
Church. We were privileged to hear some of the finest speakers in our Conference. The schedule follows:
Oct. 18, Sunday - Rev. James Wm. Morgan
Oct. 19, Monday - Rev. Sterling Wheeler
Oct. 20, Tuesday - Rev. John Deschner
Oct. 21, Wednesday - Rev. Robert S. Tate
Oct. 22, Thursday - Rev. Elmer J. Hierholzer
Oct. 23, Friday - Dr. Kenneth W. Copeland
Oct. 25, Sunday - Rev. Ted Richardson
The Choir did a wonderful ministry of music. Special music was rendered by Mrs. Elmo Sample, soloist, and by the
Monthalia Men's Choir.
A chimes recording of "Brahm's Lullaby" was a gift of Mrs. Vena Beekman. It was to be played from the
tower on Sunday following the birth of a child in our community.
On Nov. 29, 1953, a community-wide Worship Service was held. The combined efforts
of the Parent-Teacher Association, the Baptist Church, and the Methodist Church made this event possible. The guest
speaker was H.E. Butt, Jr., a Baptist Lay Evangelist. His message was well received by over 200 people. The combined
choirs of the two churches sang for the occasion. This service brought to a close the month dedicated to "Religion
in American Life."
As a climax to the calendar year 1953, we
were privileged to worship in a beautiful Christmas Choral Service given by the Chancel and Junior Choirs. The
"Chimes" rang out in praise and thanks to them and to Mrs. L.E. Sample, director of the Chancel Choir,
Mrs. T.D. Manford,Jr., director of the Junior Choir, and Mrs. Cecil Thompson, organist.
In 1954 the Teacher Rotating Plan
was introduced, a plan where a teacher was asked to teach for a four-month period and the other eight months to
be spent in preparation for the next teaching period. This plan was well received and entered into with enthusiasm.
A film-strip projector was given and used successfully in teacher-training courses.
In this year the W.S.C.S. was busy, aside from their regular meetings, in doing some much needed redecorating in
the parsonage.
The Church building was in need of repairs. This was an extensive and expensive job to be undertaken by the Trustees,
but, as usual, the membership responded and it was accomplished.
A beautiful Nativity set was given to the Church in memory of F.B. Beekman.
One last peal from the "Chimes": "Our evening service
is taking on new life. We have Lamar Lessor leading us in a song session each night. We are singing all the old
familiar songs that we love so well. Everyone is enjoying the service and Lamar's work. Come, join us, and let
your chimes ring out!"
Bro. Howard Pitts, successor to Lear, stated in the Pastor's Report to the First Quarterly Conference as follows:
Smiley houses 500 persons, but few
Methodists. Most of the Methodists live on surrounding farms and ranches, and they are proud of their Church. Many
have supported it throughout their lives, and it is a remarkable Church.
Since June first, the Smiley Congregation has: conducted a Vacation Bible School, redecorated the parsonage, paid
out $737.00 on benevolences, increased attendance in service of worship, shared fellowship with the Baptists, completed
budget details and finance plans, pushed the organization of the M.Y.F., started a Brotherhood of Methodist Men,
enjoyed two large fellowship evenings, and been-inspired by the studious concern of the Woman's Society of Christian
Service.
However, the membership rolls are not complete and up-to-date and the members need to be activated.
There is a need for the training of the Church School workers, a greater emphasis on Bible study and prayer life
in the homes, and a clearer understanding of Christian stewardship and vocation. There is a crying need for a Church
which is led by its laymen. The Methodists of Smiley are now planning this rounded program of worship, study, fellowship,
and service. Their future is now!
In a later report we read of more good work being done during this periods Studies were being made for improving
the Chancel area and installing air conditioning . The Choir had done excellent work, including a program given
twice with the Nixon Choir. The Junior Choir was active and making a fine contribution to the services. Every fourth
Sunday the Men's Choir sang and with good response. New hymnals had been purchased. Sunday evening services had
seen some growth. The pastor had conducted seven training sessions in the Church School. He was Dean of the Nixon
Training School attended by twenty members of the Smiley Church.
The Woman's Society would begin a new year with the forming of a new circle composed of young adult women called "The Lamplighters,"
thus doubling the membership.
Rev. R.R. Bloomquist, successor to Rev. Pitts, reported in Conference of finding the people willing to give themselves
to the program of the Church in the instruction of children as well as a well-rounded fellowship in local and world-wide
mission work. Social fellowship was evident in the Church dinners and programs sponsored by the W.S.C.S. and the
Methodist Men.
Under the "prodding" of Rev. Bloomquist, the Chancel Choir kept very active. Cooperating with the Nixon
Choir, they presented a beautiful Christmas Cantata in each Church on succeeding Sundays. An Easter Cantata, directed
by Mrs. Lloyd Bell, added to the worship during Holy Week. The music of the Smiley High School Baccalaureate Service
was given by the combined choirs of the Baptist and Methodist Churches.
Several men of the Church accompanied the Pastor to a Laymen's Retreat in Sinton.
Improvements and repairs to the Church and parsonage property were made whenever necessary. The report to Annual
Conference was "all claims paid."
Rev. William Weimers came to the Smiley-Westhoff Charge in 1959. This was the first full time Charge for the Weimers.
They were young and energetic, filled with dedication and enthusiasm. The theme song of this pastor might well
have been "Getting, to Know You, Getting to Know All About You," for visitation was the main thrust of
his efforts to know his congregation and learn their needs so that he could serve more effectively. Five afternoons
per week, generally, were given over to the continuous program of visitation, counseling, and evangelism. Much
emphasis was placed on becoming more familiar with the Commissions, reviewing their purpose, and setting them into
action. Members of each Commission attended the Inter-board School in Kenedy.
This time period saw an increase in Church membership, organization of a Senior M.Y.F., excellent Vacation Bible
Schools, and pastor involvement in the Scout and Little League activities. In keeping with Smiley tradition we
ate well: Family Night suppers, Men's oyster supper, also a barbecued chicken supper enjoyed by the younger adults.
Plant improvement consisted of installation of air conditioning and repainting the parsonage.
Continuing Methodism's concern for the world being one parish outside the Church, but local missions included helping
the building program of the local Latin American Baptist Church and assistance given a needy family whose home
was destroyed by fire. Through the years we find mention of such service in local mission work with Smiley Methodists
continually standing ready for ministry at home as well as abroad.
Last but not least, we chronicle the birth of a son to the parsonage family. As with some pastors before, the Congregation
could claim no credit for that--Bill and Janey were solely responsible--and all we could do was add our welcome
and congratulations.
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